Pakistan: PTI accuses government of planning to shut down internet

The imprisoned former prime minister Imran Khan created the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), which has called for a massive march tomorrow to demand the “restoration of democracy” and the protection of human rights in the nation.

The PTI on Saturday accused the present government of clamping down on social media activists and their families, kidnapping and torturing them, citing the fact that social networking site X has been banned in Pakistan since February of this year.

Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and Starlink, was asked by the Imran Khan-founded party to assist the world understand Pakistan’s true situation, claiming that the dictatorship intends to completely shut down the internet.

PTI said in a post on X, “Hey Elon @elonmusk! This Sunday, November 24, millions of Pakistanis are protesting for the country’s democracy to be restored, the constitution to be protected, and human rights to be upheld. The world must see and hear their incredible tale.

Hey Elon @elonmusk !

Millions of Pakistanis are marching for restoration of democracy, protection of constitution and upholding of human rights, in their country this Sunday, November 24th.

The world needs to see and hear their remarkable story!

The illegitimate, authoritarian…

— PTI (@PTIofficial) November 22, 2024

“The dictatorial, illegitimate government has not only closed down @X has been kidnapping and torturing social media activists and their families since February 2024, but it now intends to completely shut down the internet. “Starlink is essential for Pakistan,” the statement said.

Notably, it is anticipated that internet and mobile services would continue to be unavailable in a number of Pakistani locations, particularly in Islamabad. According to ARY News, several areas in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, and Islamabad may be impacted by the internet outage.

According to the article, which cited sources inside the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), firewalls would be put in place to slow down internet connections and interfere with access to social media applications, and mobile internet services will be discontinued on November 22.
Additionally, according to the sources, depending on how things develop, authorities may decide to shut down cellphone and internet services in certain locations.

Earlier, fears of possible violence ahead of a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) demonstration prompted the imposition of Section 144 in Rawalpindi. DC Hassan Waqar Cheem of Rawalpindi presided over a district intelligence committee meeting when this decision was made.

Public demonstrations, assemblies, and meetings of more than four persons have been banned in Rawalpindi, the notice said, because of possible ‘unrest,’ ‘extremism,’ and ‘terrorism.’ Imran Khan’s November 24 call for national rallies prompted the decision.